Auditions for 'Adapted' Japanese Wicked Held in L.A. March 20

According to Backstage, casting will soon be underway for a Japanese production of Wicked.

A casting notice states, "Universal Studios Japan is casting an adapted musical production of Wicked. Performances run at the Universal Studios in Osaka, Japan." While no performance dates have been announced, U.S. auditions will be held at Screenland Studios II (10501 W. Burbank Blvd.) in North Hollywood on Monday, March 20th.

Universal Studios Japan is seeking "Elphaba; Glinda; Dancers Who Sing: male and female, 18+." Those auditioning for the dance ensemble should come in at 10 AM and those auditioning for Elphaba or Glinda should appear at 1 PM. The casting notice advises performers to prepare 16 bars of two contrasting songs and to bring pictures and resumes. Competitive pay, living allowance, travel, lodging, and athletic club membership will be provided for those cast in the show.

Wicked is the untold story of the witches of Oz. "Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. Wicked tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch."

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, the show boasts music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin) and a book by Winnie Holzman ("My So-Called Life"). The show is directed by Tony award winner Joe Mantello (Assassins, Take Me Out) with musical staging by Tony Award-winner Wayne Cilento (Aida, The Who's Tommy). Wicked features sets by Tony Award-winner Eugene Lee, costumes by Tony Award-winner Susan Hilferty, lighting by Kenneth Posner and sound design by Tony Meola.

Wicked opened at the Gershwin Theatre (222 W. 51st St.) on Broadway (where it continues to be the top-grossing show) on October 30th, 2003 with Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth as the respective green and pink witches. The hit Chicago production stars Kristy Cates and Stacie Morgain Lewis, Julia Murney and Kendra Kassebaum headline the tour, while the Broadway company currently features Eden Espinosa and Megan Hilty as Elphaba and Glinda.

For more information on the Wicked auditions, call (877) 776-7548 or visit www.universalauditions.com/japan.

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